Ungrateful Houseguests

When out-of-town guests stay in my home, don't you think they should treat my husband and me to a nice dinner at a restaurant on one of those nights? After all, I'm spending a lot of money on extra groceries. A couple recently stayed with us for a whole week; they gave us nothing but flowers and a thank-you note.

A dinner out would have been nice, but it certainly wasn't obligatory. It's the houseguests' call as to how best to say thank you. Sometimes it's a gift for the house, a more personal offering for the adults or children, or food. (Presents are usually given on the first day, but later in the stay -- or even afterward -- is okay too.) If guests are staying for more than one night, it is considered thoughtful to take the hosts out for a meal, but courtesy requires just a gift and a thank-you note. And your guests did fulfill these obligations.

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